As the Baucus/Pelosi/Reid bill works its way through the Senate, there are at least ten major problems with the gargantuan health care plan.

First, the "reform" is being pushed during a prolonged recession, when productivity and revenues are down, while deficits and unemployment are high.  Now isn't the time to dismantle one of the best medical systems in the world.  Now is the time for federal fiscal discipline that can facilitate business growth and job creation.  Moreover, most Americans are happy with their health services.

Second, the ten year cost for Obamacare certainly won't be around $1 trillion.  The OMB is notorious for underestimating the cost of evolving government programs.  Medicare was projected to cost about $9 billion when it was set up in the mid-1960's, yet it escalated after a few short years, and current costs are through the roof.  The projected costs for national health care fail the smell test.  Moreover, it's impossible to cut costs and improve quality if the program would coerce 20-40 million more Americans to enroll in a public plan.

Third, as costs rise, the deficit will increase in tandem with the national debt, due to uncertain government revenues in a slow growth economy.  This would trigger a tax hike on the middle class and wealthy in order to pay for another program riddled with fraud and waste.  The current deficit stands at $1.4 trillion and growing.  Moreover, it's important to include unfunded entitlements such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security into the equation regarding the total debt.

Fourth, the so called "reform" legislation would hurt millions of seniors who have contributed into Medicare.  Medicare certainly could be streamlined for efficiency due to abuse and fraud, but seniors deserve quality care.  Apparently, much for the cost for the overhaul plan will be taken from a trimmed down Medicare, which could generate reduced medical access and diluted care for the elderly.  That in turn could lead to defensive medicine, medical mistakes, and increased litigation.

Fifth, Obamacare would micromanage and penalize doctors, hospitals, and insurers for doing their jobs with modest profits.  Increased regulations and taxes would increase the cost of care and medical equipment, while hindering competition and innovation.  Indeed, how can existing medical personnel cope with an additional 20-40 million newly insured when resources are already stretched thin?  Moreover, if insurers can't truly compete across state lines, the number of insurers would dwindle and the price for basic, mid-level, and Cadillac health coverage would rise.

Sixth, Pres. Obama's team plan would hurt individuals that seek reasonably priced, quality medical care.  Obama's plan discourages tax deductions for those who want their own health plans, as well as health savings accounts (HSA).  Health care plans ought to be portable, just as many retirement portfolios are transferable (rolled over) from job to job.

Seventh, Obama's "reforms" would create another bureaucracy, which is hardly a recipe for medical breakthroughs and improved care.  Most folks prefer to keep their health and medical issues private, and don't want a national public plan to interfere with their decisions about doctors, hospitals, and insurers.  Moreover, there is a vast difference between auto insurance and health insurance, despite Obama's highly flawed comparison.

Eighth, Obamacare would stifle economic growth, and it fails the history test.  Government run health care has been a colossal failure in every society, yet Obama seems incapable of absorbing past lessons.  During an economic downturn, the Dems have already squandered trillions of taxpayer dollars, which is a long-term problem for this nation.  What will happen when the money runs out?  Although the proposed plan wouldn't kick in for 3-4 years, excessive government spending and unbalanced budgets don't inspire people to invest in the markets.

Ninth, escalating deficits and sluggish national programs weaken national security.  While Obama should be focused on national security, protecting our liberties, and upholding the Constitution, instead he's distracted with endless spending on redistributionist domestic programs.  That weakens our competitiveness and productivity in the global arena.

Tenth, Obamacare is immoral because it would erode our freedoms.  It distrusts Americans and their ability to make informed choices on their own.  If the health plan was so peachy keen, why are most negotiations taking place behind closed doors with little input allowed from the American people, the GOP, and health care professionals?  If the plan was so fantastic, bring it out into the sunlight for all to see and study.

Americans have the inherent right to choose their own doctors, hospitals, and medical coverage.  They also have the right to develop their own health habits without the help of bureaucratic busybodies.  Obamacare would eat away at the natural liberties of Americans.  We know that the Dems would never sign up to the health care monstrosity they're creating, so why consign decent Americans to second, or third class medical care?  Government managed health care might serve the Democrat's own interests of power and wealth, but it fails to protect the national interests of liberty and personal responsibility.